Parenting in the Screen Age - The Screenagers Podcast

Why do some kids and teens get overly frustrated and bored when it's time to turn off their video games? How to know when game playing has become excessive? What are tips that all families should know for ensuring healthy video game play? In today's episode of The Screenagers Podcast, Dr. Delaney Ruston explores these issues along with a new model of brain biology to help explain irritability and boredom associated with video gaming. We hear from teens along with psychiatrist Dr. Clifford Sussman who specializes in helping young people regain tech balance. We also hear from Andrew Fulton who was in the film, Screenagers, when he was getting treatment at an internet rehab center, and is now working at the same center helping others recover from video game overuse. Additional Links Andrew in this episode works at the internet recovery center called reStart To learn more about Dr. Clifford Sussman, go to his website. Dr. Sussman et al., Internet and Video Game Addictions: Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Neurobiology. Here are links to some Tech Talk Tuesday articles about video games: Digital Binging, Is it a Problem? Why 3 Hours is Too Much Fake Identities and Real Concerns Watch What Happens When Kids Have No Screen Time Rules ‍ Additional Resources Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community

How can parents set limits that actually stick in a high-tech world? And what rules to set? In this episode, the prominent screen time researcher, Jean Twenge, PhD discusses her new book, 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World. Twenge explains the science behind how screens disrupt sleep, and shares ways to use parental controls effectively. The conversation also explores delaying smartphones and social media, enforcing meaningful consequences, and why changing community norms, not just household rules, can make all the difference. Expert Jean Twenge, PhD Book 10 Rules For Raising Kids In A High Tech World Resources www.screenfreesleep.org Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to Your Community Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:19 Meet Jean Twenge: Expert on Generational Differences 00:52 Discussing '10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High Tech World' 02:00 The Importance of No Devices in the Bedroom 04:02 Parental Controls and Device Management 05:26 The Role of Lockboxes and Parental Controls 07:50 Challenges with Parental Control Software 13:11 Promoting Screen-Free Sleep and Community Efforts 14:02 The Impact of Disturbing Content on Kids 15:53 Balancing Busy Schedules and Sleep 18:04 Setting Rules and Consequences for Device Use 19:15 Delaying Smartphones and Social Media 21:35 Final Thoughts and Community Pledges 24:08 Conclusion and Resources

Dr Ruston speaks with Amy Neville, mother of Alexander Neville who tragically died at age 14 after taking a fentanyl-laced pill he obtained through Snapchat. He thought he was buying an oxycontin but instead the pill was a pill laced with fentanyl. Amy shares her journey from grief to activism, discussing her efforts to raise awareness about the dangers of social media-facilitated drug deals and her advocacy for stronger accountability from tech companies. This episode offers insights into the vulnerabilities of teens in the digital world, the current drug crisis, and practical advice for parents on navigating these challenges with their children. Episode Resources: Alexander Neville Foundation Additional Resources: How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community Screenagers Website Time Code: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 The Tragic Story of Alexander Neville 01:30 Alex's Final Days 05:00 Turning Grief into Activism 06:46 Conversations with Teens 10:05 The Role of Snapchat 18:34 Advice for Parents 21:55 Resources and Conclusion

In our last episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston introduced the One Small Change Challenge and the DARTS model (Doable, Arrange for success, Reasons, Treats, Support) as she coached two moms on creating strategies to reach their phone-related small change targets. This week, she talks with another mom, a certified parent coach who wants to stop using her phone before bed and keep it in her room overnight. You'll hear the specific strategies Lisa commits to. In the next episode, you'll find out how it worked out for her and for the other moms from the previous episode. Listeners are encouraged to take on their own One Small Change Challenge and let their kids in on what they're aiming to do and the strategies they're using, and, most importantly, to ask their kids for support. Change is not easy. If you're participating in the challenge, email Dr. Ruston at delaney@screenagersmovie.com and let her know how it's going. Additional Resources Boosting Bravery: Free Screenagers program for teens that includes DARTS. How to bring the Screenagers movies to your community Screenagers Website Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:21 Recap of the One Small Change Challenge 00:39 Introducing Lisa and Her Phone Habit 01:59 Lisa's Struggle with Phone Use at Night 06:38 Implementing the DARTS Method 07:59 Setting Goals and Arranging for Success 11:39 Reinforcement and Support Strategies 17:56 Conclusion and Next Steps

What kind of partner do you want to be someday? Do you think privacy is important in a relationship? What do you think pornography leaves out about real relationships? These are just a few of the unusual yet important questions boys are rarely asked. In this episode, Dr. Delaney Ruston continues her conversation with educator Christopher Pepper and journalist Joanna Schroeder, co-authors of the new book Talk To Your Boys. Together, they discuss how to help boys navigate gaming, romantic relationships, and pornography. They explore online sports betting ("the house always wins"), share ways to bring up sensitive topics like pornography, and highlight the particular role dads can play in guiding these conversations. Featured Experts Christopher Pepper Joanna Schroeder‍ ‍ Book Talk To Your Boys: 16 Conversations to Help Tweens and Teens Grow Into Confident, Caring Young Men, by Christopher Pepper and Joanna Schroeder Additional Resources Stan Tatkin Screenagers Website Bring Screenagers to your community Time Code 00:00 Breaking Stereotypes: The Importance of Talking to Boys 00:37 The Influence of Online Algorithms on Teenage Boys 01:22 The Allure and Risks of Sports Betting 04:16 Navigating Relationships and Sexuality 07:35 The Impact of Media on Perceptions of Sex 16:03 Addressing Pornography and Sexual Content 26:24 Encouraging Open Conversations and Emotional Awareness 28:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Host Dr. Ruston introduces Screenagers' recently launched Screen-Free Sleep campaign, focused on helping parents keep devices out of kids' bedrooms for sleep time. Ruston explains the campaign's goals, the science behind it, and how you can participate in making screen-free sleep the norm in your child's school and community. This includes resources like iSleep Pro kits and a fun flash mob dance. She also offers practical solutions to some of the common challenges parents face when creating tech-free sleep for their kids and tweens. It all wraps up with lively "Man on the Street" interviews with parents and kids, making it a perfect listen for adults to enjoy together with their children. Resources www.screenfreesleep.org Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Screen-Free Sleep 00:41 About the Screen-Free Sleep Campaign 06:28 Man on the Street Interviews 11:09 Common Pushbacks and Solutions 15:43 Student Sleep Health Week and Resources 17:01 Call to Action and Conclusion

As back-to-school season begins, and kids face mounting stress both online and offline, this episode explores how healthy sleep can support their well-being. Hear from Dr. Judy Owens, Director of Sleep Medicine at Boston Children's Hospital and professor of neurology at Harvard Medical School. Discover key brain research with Adriana Galván, a UCLA neuroscientist, and hear insights from parents and a teen. Take away practical strategies to help your child get the brain-nourishing sleep they need now and into the future. Featured Experts Judy Owens, MPH, MD Adriana Galvan, PhD ‍‍ Resources ScreenFreeSleep.org

What role does social media play in disordered eating and eating disorders? And how can parents spot early warning signs and have meaningful conversations about these tough topics? In this episode, host Dr. Ruston talks with Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani, a physician specializing in eating disorders for nearly two decades. Dr. Gaudiani explains the difference between disordered eating and clinical eating disorders and how social media can fuel both. She shares concrete strategies to help parents talk with their teens, recognize early signs, and prevent problems. This episode builds on our previous conversation with Isabelle, a young woman who shared her personal journey with an eating disorder and social media's role in it. You don't need to have heard that episode first, but they complement each other well. This episode is intended for adult and teen audiences but please note it includes discussion of eating disorders, body image, and related experiences, so please listen with care. If you or someone you love is affected by any of the issues we talk about today, you'll find a list of support resources below. Featured Expert Dr Jennifer Gaudiani, MD Books Sick Enough: A Guide To The Medical Complications Of Eating Disorders by Jennifer Gaudiani Time Code 00:00 Introduction to Parenting in the Screen Age 00:40 Recap of Previous Episode 01:06 Today's Topic: Understanding Eating Disorders 01:30 Meet Dr. Jennifer Gaudiani 01:59 Defining Eating Disorders vs. Disordered Eating 02:08 Impact of Social Media on Eating Disorders 02:19 Clinical Eating Disorders Overview 03:16 Interview with Dr. G: Early Warning Signs 07:27 Social Media's Role in Disordered Eating 10:10 Strategies for Moderating Social Media Use 10:25 Supporting Teens in Recovery 16:33 Parental Challenges and Support 27:34 Final Thoughts and Conclusion Resources National Alliance for Eating Disorders ("The Alliance") Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com Free helpline: 866‑662‑1235 (Mon–Fri, 9am–7pm ET) Offers: Personalized support and referrals. Also operates https://www.findEDhelp.com, a free directory of eating disorder treatment centers and providers. National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) Website: https://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org Offers: Free screening tools, treatment locators, support group listings, and educational materials. Crisis Text Line Website: https://www.crisistextline.org Text "HOME" to 741‑741 to chat with a trained crisis counselor, or use the live chat at the website Offers: 24/7 mental health support, resources, and crisis intervention. The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth) Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org Text "START" to 678‑678 to connect with a crisis counselor Offers: 24/7 crisis support, online chat, and mental health resources tailored to LGBTQ+ youth.